A holiday letter from our President and CEO:
The threads that bind our community are real. For a nonprofit like Pathway Homes, our partners, donors, volunteers, staff, and participants all contribute to weaving these threads into the fabric that uplifts lives.
With the holiday season approaching, I’m reminded of our strong connections. As we reflect on the
uncertainty facing our world, I am comforted to know that our collective community is committed to providing health and hope through housing to those overcoming mental illnesses and other disabilities. Through your generosity, we do it with dignity, grace, equity, and love, and our community is grateful. Your investments have supported the hopes of neighbors and friends—all who yearn to build a better life.
Among these are:
• Marti, whose mental health and life spiraled after becoming widowed which landed her on the streets and then in a shelter. Later she was introduced to Pathway Homes, which she described as “the best thing that ever happened to me…even though my husband is gone…I still have a place to live.” She credits Pathways with giving her stability and a sense of accomplishment. Today, this charismatic Pathway consumer is an avid crocheter—a skill she learned from her grandmother. Her beautiful work was even displayed at Pathway’s Summer of the Arts Exhibit.
• Levelle, a resident at a Pathway Homes assisted living facility, where he focuses on sobriety and recovery after almost losing his life. He explains: “The disease of addiction is powerful, and it could lead to my demise, but I have so much more to contribute to the world.” He enjoys drawing, reading literature on recovery, going for walks, and smiling. On his new home, Levelle says: “I enjoy the little things more. Like the birds chirping first thing in the morning. Looking in the mirror to see the person I’m becoming. These activities help me replenish my daily gratitude.”
For Marti and Levelle and many more, Pathway Homes ensures they have a place to call home where they can access healthcare and other supportive services. Here they can live their best lives—developing friendships, pursuing hobbies, advocating, working, and growing—which is great for them and our community.
We’ve been doing this for more than 44 years, helping prevent and end homelessness for tens of thousands of people in Northern Virginia, Washington, DC, and Central Florida with serious mental illnesses and other co-occurring disabilities. Our holiday hope is to ensure more people like Marti and Levelle can achieve their potential and contribute to strengthening the fabric of our region. With your continued support, we can…and for that, we are grateful.
Please see our wish list that captures some of our needs and donate by selecting Holiday Wish List to
designate your gift.
With gratitude,
Sylisa Lambert-Woodard, EdD, LCSW, LSATP, MAC
President and CEO
